March 1, 2011. Bodh Gaya

Since February 26, His Holiness the Karmapa has been visiting Bodh Gaya, the place of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment and the holiest site for Buddhists worldwide. During his stay in Bodh Gaya, His Holiness is engaged in his winter meditation retreat at Tergar Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery founded by Yonge Mingyur Rinpoche.

While requesting that the press respect His Holiness’ privacy during his retreat and puja program in Bodh Gaya, Mingyur Rinpoche addressed a gathering of local press members. Mingyur Rinpoche is a world-renowned Buddhist teacher and author of the bestselling book, The Joy of Living.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Mingyur Rinpoche said, “We are very grateful that His Holiness’s name has been cleared.” Rinpoche thanked the Indian government and Tibetan government-in-exile and was also Read the rest of this article

11 February, 2011. Dharamsala

This afternoon, the Himachal Pradesh chief secretary Rajwant Sandhu told reporters that, “there is no involvement of the Karmapa. We have reasons to believe that some donations came for the monastery and the Karmapa has nothing to do with that. Monastery functionaries were managing the affairs.”

The chief secretary was also quoted as saying; “The Karmapa is a religious head and has followers across the world. We respect their religious activities. We don’t interfere in any religious affairs. We have full respect for their religious activities and are in no way intending curbing them in any form or manner as also we are aware of the fact that the Karmapa is not involved in any monetary activities or shady benami land deals.”

7 February, 2011. Dharamsala

The Karmapa Office of Administration gratefully acknowledges the overwhelming support for His Holiness the Karmapa from well-wishers all across India and from around the world. Today, Matteo Mecacci, a member of the Italian Parliament, paid a personal visit to His Holiness the Karmapa at his residence in Dharamsala. While expressing faith and respect for the Indian judicial process, the Italian MP—who serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies—also expressed his solidarity with His Holiness the Karmapa during this trying period. He requested spiritual solidarity in return from His Holiness.

We were also pleased to see some fair and balanced coverage in the media over the weekend. However, we again completely deny the libelous press reports claiming that Chinese SIM cards were found on our premises. This constitutes libel and outright defamation of Read the rest of this article

6 February, 2011. Dharamsala

The Karmapa Office of Administration welcomes the Central Government’s expression of confidence in His Holiness the Karmapa. Union Minister Virbhadra Singh travelled to the state from Delhi and made several clear statements of support for His Holiness the Karmapa and the Tibetan community as a whole. Addressing a press conference, Union Minister Singh charged the Himachal Pradesh state government with maligning His Holiness the Karmapa. He further urged regularizing land purchase rules to grant Tibetans certain rights to own land in Himachal Pradesh, in which Dharamsala is located. Union Minister Singh is a member of the Cabinet of the Indian Government and a five-time former chief minister of the state of Himachal Pradesh.

However, we are disappointed to note that some press are continuing to report major inaccuracies and outright fabrications. We reiterate in the strongest Read the rest of this article

5 February, 2011. Dharamsala

The Karmapa Office of Administration announces that the state government’s application to retain Rabgay Choesang in police custody was rejected, and Office staff member Rabgay Choesang aka Shakti Lama has now been transferred into judicial custody. We are aware that a thorough investigation is needed to arrive at the truth. We remain confident that the Indian justice system will arrive at that truth and dispel all the wild speculations that are now circulating. We will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation, and we look forward to having our monk home soon.

The Karmapa Office of Administration would also like to take this opportunity to underscore that the ongoing purchase of land by the Karmae Garchen Trust is and has been in full compliance with Indian law. It is in no way a benami land transaction. The land was being purchased by the Karmae Garchen Trust in its Read the rest of this article

Quotes from the 17th Karmapa

Each person must find his or her own path. Nonetheless, seek guidance from wise and compassionate people and listen to them earnestly. This will help you find the best way to proceed – now and in the future.- Karmapa on Guidance

All traditions, whether religious or secular, have developed to benefit human society. In the event that a tradition or system becomes harmful, there’s no need to insist on following it.- Karmapa on Tradition

Human beings are the most intelligent and resourceful species on earth. If we use our intelligence to cause more suffering, rather than to bring some real benefit to others and ourselves, we are no better than beasts.- Karmapa on Intelligence

Just to simply relax and rest in your own natural state is all that you need to do. When you give yourself that opportunity, you’ll find that presence extends to the other parts of your life.- Karmapa on Meditation

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